5 Styles of Gin

March 12, 2010

This style - the original - uses malt-spirit base, making it not unlike a flavored whiskey. Less botanical than the English styles, and more sippable. Good for
Sipping straight and chilled, john collinses, gin fixes. Recommended for
Bols Genever ($37/750 ml; malty, with a hint of black licorice); Genevieve ($36/750 ml; grainy and hot on the palate).André Baranowski

At their best, these new gins, drawing on an expanded palette of botanicals, are as subtle and intriguing as fine fragrances. Good for
Inventing new cocktails, such as the Tante Marie Frizz. Recommended brands Hendrick's ($30/750 ml; delicate and floral); DH Krahn ($25/750ml; soft over all, briny and earthy); Whitley Neill ($32/750 ml; full, fruity, and very well integrated).André Baranowski

Though originally as rich as a Dutch genever, today this regional gin, made only in Plymouth, England, is as clean and bracing as a London dry. Good for
Most any drink in which you might use a London dry gin. Recommended brands
There's only one made in Plymouth currently; it's called, appropriately enough, Plymouth ($30/liter; smooth, with plenty of citrus and juniper).André Baranowski

London dry's sweeter, fuller-bodied parent has only recently come back on the market after decades in suspended animation. Good for
Tom collinses, gin rickeys, martinezes. Recommended brands Hayman's ($26/750ml; sweet with notes of candied orange peel and violets); Ransom ($36/750ml; rich and spicy, with black pepper and flavors).André Baranowski

Very dry, light bodied, and pungent, this is what most of us think of when we think of gin. Good for
Gin-and-tonics, aviations, dry martinis. Recommended brands Tanqueray ($29/750 ml; big, piney, and floral); Beefeater ($27/liter; lean and bright, with a distinctive black pepper flavor); Boodles ($27/liter; soft and clean, with a roselike bouquet).André Baranowski